Shimla:  BJP legislators in Himachal Pradesh  yesterday wore aprons bearing caricatures of currency notes falling from trees to the assembly to protest a remark by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh that the BJP members were “bonded laborers” to a senior party leader.
After disrupting the question hour, the BJP legislators staged a walkout. They also raised slogans in the house to which the chief minister later objected.
Taking cognizance of Virbhadra Singh’s objections, Speaker B.B.L. Butail ordered the remarks to be expunged. The media too was directed not to report on the expunged slogans.
The BJP said the remarks were made by the chief minister after the first day of the budget session Monday.
Condemning the walkout, the speaker said the BJP’s action was against the rules.
“The action was objectionable as under parliamentary rules, a member can’t exhibit placards and banners. What was the need to waste the time (of the house),” he said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said it was unfortunate that the opposition disrupted the proceedings on the second day too.
“They also disrupted the governor’s address yesterday (Monday). This house is known in the country for maintaining decorum. This is a bad practice and unfortunate,” he said.
He requested the speaker to ask the BJP leaders to behave properly in the house or face strict action.
The chief minister said everybody has the right to raise issues in the house but as per norms.
“The governor invited the legislators to the dinner (Monday) but they (the BJP) boycotted. This proves they are frustrated and trying to get political mileage,” Virbhadra Singh said.
He denied having said that the BJP legislators were “bonded labourers”.
He said heated exchanges and protests were part of parliamentary democracy.
“Everybody has a right to do so, but in a civilised manner. I condemn the behaviour of BJP members who are conspiring everyday to disrupt the assembly as a political strategy.”
On allegations of corruption, the chief minister clarified that he himself was “facing a number of probes. The CBI is already investigating into the issues and the income-tax officials are also looking into returns”.